Eight Adriatic crossings connect Italy and Greece – from the short overnight hop and the seasonal Corfu direct ferry to the scenic two-day voyage. Find the right route for your trip, car or camper below.
Italy and Greece are separated by the Adriatic Sea – and a network of ferry routes makes the crossing straightforward for foot passengers, car drivers and motorhome travellers alike. Sailings depart from Ancona, Bari, Venice and Brindisi on the Italian side, and arrive at Patras, Igoumenitsa or Corfu on the Greek side. Each route suits a different travel style and starting point in Europe – and in summer, three direct ferries even take you straight to the island of Corfu.
| Route | Crossing time | Main operators | Foot from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancona → Patras | ~20–21 h | Superfast, ANEK, Minoan | ~€55 | Northern/central Europe travellers |
| Ancona → Igoumenitsa | ~16.5–22 h | Superfast, Grimaldi | ~€79 | Most departures to northwest Greece |
| Bari → Igoumenitsa | ~8–10 h | Superfast, Ventouris, Grimaldi | ~€50 | Best value overnight crossing |
| Bari → Patras | ~15.5–16.5 h | Superfast | ~€60 | Quickest route to Athens & the Peloponnese |
| Venice → Patras | ~28–30 h | ANEK/Superfast, Minoan | ~€75 | Scenic mini-cruise feel |
| Venice → Igoumenitsa | ~24–25.5 h | Anek-Superfast | ~€108 | Closest port to central Europe |
| Brindisi → Igoumenitsa | ~8 h | Grimaldi Lines | ~€50 | Already in southern Italy/Puglia |
| Italy → Corfu (direct) | ~6.5–17 h | Grimaldi, Ventouris, Superfast | ~€50 | Straight to the island – summer only |
Prices are indicative starting fares for a single foot passenger in low–mid season. Vehicle surcharges, cabin upgrades and peak-season demand all affect the final price. Use the live search on the homepage for real-time fares.
If you are coming from northern Europe – Germany, Austria, Switzerland or the Netherlands – Ancona or Venice save you a long drive down the Italian boot. Ancona is the most popular choice, with the widest choice of operators and departures to both Patras and Igoumenitsa. Venice is the closest port to central Europe and suits travellers who want a slow, scenic crossing down the entire Adriatic – to Igoumenitsa or on to Patras.
If you are already touring southern Italy or arriving via the A14 motorway, Bari and Brindisi make more sense. Both offer short overnight crossings, and Bari has the most operator choice in the south.
Patras is the closest Greek port to Athens (about 3 hours by road) and the Peloponnese peninsula – ideal if you are heading straight to the capital or the ancient sites. Igoumenitsa is the gateway to northwest mainland Greece and a jumping-off point for Epirus, Meteora, Ioannina and the onward drive south. And if the island itself is your destination: in summer, direct ferries to Corfu run from Brindisi, Bari and Ancona, letting you drive straight off the ship onto the island.
Short crossings (Brindisi, Bari) mean you save a night in a hotel but lose a cabin. On the 8–10-hour overnight runs you can choose an airline-style reclining seat or a basic cabin, and arrive fresh in the morning. The longer Ancona and Venice routes almost demand a proper cabin – but they also give you time to relax, eat in the on-board restaurant and enjoy the open sea.
If you are travelling with a motorhome, look for routes that offer a "camping on board" fare. You stay in your own vehicle on an open deck with an electricity hookup – no separate cabin needed, and often cheaper than two cabin berths. Ancona and Bari departures typically offer this option. See our camper guide for details.
The ferries run year-round on the main routes, but summer (July–August) is peak season. Prices rise, sailings fill up and – crucially – cabin and camper deck spaces sell out weeks in advance. If you are travelling in peak summer, book as early as possible. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) offers the best combination of good weather, lower fares and easy availability.
~20–21 h · Superfast, ANEK, Minoan · foot from ~€55
Most departures~16.5–22 h · Superfast, Grimaldi · foot from ~€79
Best value~8–10 h · Superfast, Ventouris, Grimaldi · foot from ~€50
Quickest to Athens~15.5–16.5 h · Superfast · foot from ~€60
Most scenic~28–30 h · ANEK/Superfast, Minoan · foot from ~€75
Closest to central Europe~24–25.5 h · Anek-Superfast · foot from ~€108
Shortest crossing~8 h · Grimaldi Lines · foot from ~€50
Island direct · summer~6.5–17 h · Grimaldi, Ventouris, Superfast · foot from ~€50
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